China insists that Tibet has been under Chinese rule for centuries, but Tibetans insist they were essentially independent for most of that time.

An editorial in China's official Xinhua News Agency said Saturday that under China's rule Tibet has experienced economic growth, increased lifespans and improved education.

Xinhua said "Sixty years since the epochmaking democratic reform in Tibet, people... have enjoyed unprecedented human rights in history."

Tibet monitoring groups, however, disagree with that assessment.

The International Tibet Network said in a statement that "China has ridden roughshod over the human and political rights of citizens under its rule for far too long." It added: "With resistance by the Tibetan people so strong and vibrant, it's time for a response from the international community that matches their courage and conviction."

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